franyo aatoth: Landed Escapes – Scalped Lands

aatoth franyo
1954, Mátészalka

Paris – Budapest – Rairakhdhammatchart (Thailand)

Ten years ago, atoth franyo experienced first hand the destruction of the rain forest surrounding him, since which time he has concerned himself with environmental protection. He started his black plantation series as a depiction of the jungle which had been transformed by agriculture into land of pineapple groves and for the cultivation of oil palm. Ever since then the wide scale damage to the environment has become a major global issue for everyone. Previously franyo had been concerned with social and political questions through his satirical optic. However, since 2008 issues of environmental protection have become the dominant theme in his works. A forest growing back from an axe-helve, a landscape painted on a chainsaw, these are symbols of the possibility of a potential twist, hope for the end of destruction. In his Thai studio he invokes the spirit of a paradise in 50 pictures, moreover he gives a calligraphic “translation” to the images. In the beginning the visual meditation is seen in colour, later in monochrome. Furthermore, an installation, ” Empty Words”, especially conceived for his forthcoming exhibition in the Várfok Gallery, emphasises the need for action. It is to be hoped that notice is taken of what is said.

Perhaps it is not (too) late yet.